Versatile expansion device

ABSTRACT

An expansion device, for use for flotation and as a headrest, is formed of flexible corrugated tubing capable of contracting into a compact size for storage, and said tubing capable of expanding for application about the body of the wearer, the expandable tubing including end caps capable of hermetic sealing to seal the interior of the expansion device when used for floatation. The end caps that have an eyelet provided there through, for the application of strapping, when the expansion device is applied to the body of the wearer when used as a flotation support. The expandable tubing is made of polymer, and can include a spiral wire integrated in one of the apex or valley of one tubing to reinforce the expandable tubing during repeated application.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This non provisional patent application claims priority to theprovisional patent application having Ser. No. 61/210,412, having filingdate Mar. 19, 2009.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the application of an expandable device,generally fabricated from polymer, and sometimes being reinforced withan integral spiral wire, where its ends may be sealed off, or applied byinterconnecting upon itself, or fasten by a belt, to the user, tofunction as a float, a swim training device, a neck rest, or for avariety of other purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various types of expandable devices have long been available in the art.For example, ductwork, such as used for venting a close dryer from abuilding, to the exterior, has long utilized a flexible polymer sheettype of tubing, that is reinforced with a strand of spiral wire locatedintegrally therein, which is normally condensed when displayed formarketing, or shipment, but can be readily pulled into expansion, forextending to the exterior of a building, or to an exterior vent. Similartypes of expandable ductwork have been employed for heating and airconditioning purposes, and for myriad of other uses. Usually these tubesare extremely thin polymer film.

A variety of other expandable types of tubes have been available, andhave been used for various purposes, whether its toys, flow lines, orfor other and related applications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention contemplates the usage of a polymer tube, incorporatingsufficient flexibility that it can be expanded into a lengthyconfiguration, as during usage, or it can be forced back into acontracted state, as when it is to be stored, as during non usage.Generally, such flexible tubing is made of a expandable polymer, or atleast having sufficient flexibility to allow it to be manipulated intovarious configuration, shapes, as during usage. Furthermore, such tubingis made into a corrugated configuration, that allows for expansion, orits compressed contraction, as explained. In addition, and while thetube may be made totally of polymer alone, to add to its reinforcement,it may incorporate along the outer edges of its corrugated configurationan integrated and embedded wire, of a spiral configuration, that adds tothe reinforcement of the tube, during usage and application.Furthermore, it tends to resist collapsing of the polymer tube, sincethe wire may absorb the flexibility of the tube, during itsmanipulation, and relieves stress upon the polymer covering itself, Suchpolymers normally may comprise of polyurethane, polyethylene, and even athin walled polypropylene.

The various specific usages of the tube may include its application as awaist float, for use by the beginning swimmer, or perhaps haveapplication as a safety means, for boaters, sail boaters, or the like.Or, the tube may be expanded and rest behind the neck, and extend downthe front of the wear, and strapped onto position, to function as afloat, as while swimming, or even for use for emergency purposes. Or,the expanded tube may be somewhat lengthened, and extended around theneck, to act as a neck brace or rest, when a user desires to attain acomfortable position, as while resting, or taking a nap. The expandabletube may have smooth exterior surface, at select locations, as at thepoint of its contact with the back of the neck of the wearer, when it isbeing used as a head rest, in order to add to the comfort. Theexpandable corrugated portions will extend there from, and will allowfor the neck rest to be extended downwardly, and to the front, to keepthe head into position, while resting.

The structure of the expandable tube, when used in variousconfigurations, may be modified, depending upon its application. Forexample, integrally formed on the end of the length of expandablecorrugated tube are end caps, at each end, and which may include aclosure, such as a stopper, that can be compressed into position, oncethe expandable tubing has been located into position, to seal off itsinterior, when the tubing is to function as a float. Or, the end closurefor the tube may include an eyelet, so that strapping, rope, or otherfastening means can be included there through, as when the expandabletubing is to be used as a float device. In addition, integral segmentsof lengths of straight tubing can be integrated into the ends of theexpandable device, and the two ends may telescope together, and seal,where the float is to be used as a waist float, so that air may beentrapped therein, and sealed in position, once the expandable devicehas been located around the waste around the swimmer, for use for safetypurposes.

There may also be formed upon the surface of the expandable tubingvarious smooth length of tube, integrated therein, so as to add to thecomfort of the device, as for example, when used as a head or neck rest.

The tubing may be reinforced by adding, during its fabrication, a spiralwire to its integral construction, so as to add to its resiliency, whenexpanded or contracted, to add to its reinforcement as a corrugatedtubing, and to further add to the strength of the expandable tubing, forsustained and continuous usage, for some extended length of time.

It is, therefore, the principal object of this invention to provide alength of expandable tubing, which may also be contracted, that may beapplied for a variety of purposes.

Another object of this invention is to provide an expansion device thatmay be hermetically sealed, to function as a float for the user.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide an expandable devicewhere its ends may accept a strap, to allow it to be fastened to theuser as a float during swimming, boating, or for other emergencypurposes.

Still another object of this invention is to provide an expansion devicethat may hermetically seal by interconnecting its ends, when functioningas a waist float during usage.

Another object is to provide a float device that may be applied aroundthe neck, and hermetically sealed at its ends, to ensure that the usercan maintain his/her head above the water, when applied.

Another object of this invention is to provide an expanding device thatcan be used as a neck rest, as while driving, on a airplane, or even asa neck brace, during convalescences.

A further object of this invention is to provide an expandable tubingdevice, of a corrugated style, that may be reinforced with metal tosustain its useful life.

These and other objects may become more apparent to those skilled in theart upon review of the summary of the invention as provided herein, andupon undertaken a study of the description of its preferred embodiment,in view of the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In referring to the drawings,

FIG. 1 shows the expansion device of this invention as applied aroundthe neck of the user;

FIG. 2 shows the expansion device of this invention, as stretcheddownwardly upon the user, and then strapped into position when appliedas a floatation device;

FIG. 3 shows the expansion device applied around the waist, andhermetically sealed at its ends, to function as a further type offloatation;

FIG. 4 shows an end of the expansion device which may accommodate aseal, when the device is hermetically sealed for functioning as a float;

FIG. 4 a shows another end view of the expansion device wherein its sealis a flapper type valve;

FIG. 5 shows an end of the expansion device with a closure, and aneyelet, that allows other fasteners to be secured there through;

FIG. 6 shows a segment of the expansion device, or its corrugatedtubing, and how it is reinforced with a metallic, plastic, or other wireto enhance its useful life;

FIG. 7 shows the expansion device, with a pair of turns, as for examplewhen employed as a neck rest;

FIG. 8 shows a similar type of expansion device of FIG. 7, but with asegment of smooth tubing integrated therein and function to comfortablysupport the neck, during usage as a headrest;

FIG. 9 shows a segment of the expansion device that may be further usedas a neck rest;

FIG. 10 shows yet another embodiment for the expansion device; and,

FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of the expansion device where oneend has a smooth part and the other end has corrugations.

The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout thevarious figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In referring to the figures of the drawings, the various uses andapplications of the versatile expansion device of this invention arereadily disclosed. Initially, in FIGS. 4-6, the construction andvariations upon the structure of the devices are shown, depending uponthe application and usage to be made of the expansion device. Forexample, FIG. 6 shows how the expansion tubing 1 is fabricated generallyof a polymer, that is reasonably flexible, and which can be expanded,from a contracted state, where the corrugation rest contiguously againsteach other, or can be stretched outwardly, into some length, generallyas shown in said figure. The expandable covering for the tubing may beof a polymer, whether it be polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane,or any other type of flexible polymer sheeting, which can be extruded ormolded into the configuration of corrugated tubing. In addition,reinforcement of the form of a metal wire, or polymer wire, as at 2, canbe added either at the apex, as at 3, of the spiral tubing, or may alsobe added, or in lieu thereof, to the valleys, as at 4, to addreinforcement to the expandable tubing, during its manufacture. FIG. 4shows how the ends of the tubing 1 may be sealed with an end cap 5 wherethe end cap includes an extension portion 6 having an aperture 7provided therein. The aperture may be plugged by a stopper 8, when it isdesired to hermetically seal the interior of the tubing, when it is tobe employed as a flotation device. FIG. 4 a shows how a flapper valve 8a may be used in lieu of a stopper to seal the vent cap of the extensionportion, after air has been injected into the expansion device. Bysimply pushing upon the flapper valve, the air may be released from thetubing. An end cap of this type, as noted at 5, can be provided at eachend of the tubing, where it may be employed for flotation purposes,quickly hermetically sealed by plugging it, as at 8, to assure itsretention of the internal air, to add to the enhanced flotation of thedevice.

As can be seen in FIG. 5, a modification upon the floatation device isnoted. As can be seen, the end of the expansion device 1 is likewisesealed with a cap 9, and integrally extending upwardly from the cap isan eyelet 10 having an aperture 11 provided there through, to functionas a fastening means for securement of the expansion device duringusage. For example, as can be seen in FIG. 2, the expansion device istherein functioning as a floatation means, and has a strap providedthere through. Such a strap may locate through the aperture 11 of theeyelet 10, when securement of the expansion device, when used as afloatation means, is being applied about the user.

Various examples of different uses for the expansion device of thisinvention can be readily determined upon reviewing the figures of thedrawings. For example, in FIG. 1, it can be seen that the expansiondevice includes a length of the expandable tubing 1, which can be drapedabout the neck of the wearer, and then at its end includes an extendingsleeve 12 and 13, at each end, so as to provide either a neck rest forthe user, as noted, or perhaps can be connected, in a manner to besubsequently described, and function as a form of floatation device, forthe user, at that location. For example, as can be seen in FIG. 3, theexpansion device 1 can be applied around the waist of the user. Itstelescoping sleeves 12 and 13 can be interconnected together, by slidingthe smaller sleeve within the bigger sleeve, into a tight fit, whichbecomes hermetically sealed, and thereby can function as a floatationdevice about the waist of the wearer, since it will be sealed fromentrance of water or additional air. The same can be done with thefloatation device as shown in FIG. 1, as it is being installed.

As an alternative, the floatation device, and more particularly itsexpansion means 1 can likewise be draped about the neck of the wearer,in the manner as shown in FIG. 1, and then expanded and pulled down tothe vicinity of the waist of the wearer. Then, a strap 14 can locatedthrough each of the end caps 15 and 16, through sealed slots providedthere through, so that the expansion device will become hermeticallysealed, and can function as a floatation device, in the manner of alifejacket, for the wearer, as can be readily determined.

Other types of uses for this particular invention can be seen in FIGS.7-10. In most of these instances, the expansion device will be used tofunction as a neck or head brace, as for example as a means to allow forresting of the head, as upon an airline flight, or for other relateduses. For example, as seen in FIG. 7, the expansion device 1 will be alength of the tubing, which can be pulled into an expansive state, asshown, and then turned at the corners 17 and 18, so that theintermediate portion 19 can rest against the neck of the wearer, tofunction for that purposes, as a headrest, during the taking of a nap,or for just resting in generally, as upon an airline flight, or for useat home. The entire device can be contracted into a short length ofunexpanded corrugated tubing, and stored in a purse, or elsewhere, whennot in use. But, it can be expanded, into the configuration as shown inFIG. 7, when desired for usage. Further, a cap 9 can be used to seal thetubing, or expansion device, and retain air within the tubing for thecomfort of the user. A user can retain much air in the tubing for arigid headrest or less air in the tubing for a soft, or compressible,headrest. Alternately, the cap can be removed so that the tubingcompresses readily and air enters and departs the tubing freely. Astopper 8 or flapper valve 8 a can be substituted for the cap 9.

FIG. 8 shows how the intermediate portion 20 in this particular instancecan be of an integrally smooth design, so that as the head or neck restupon it, it will be more comfortable for the user. The intermediateportion 20 has two opposite ends 20 a, 20 b, that adjoin the corrugatedportions. The intermediate portion may have a smooth texture provided asa lining by fabric, soft rubber, EVA foam, and the like. In an alternateembodiment, the ends 20 a, 20 b are generally sealed so that theintermediate portion does not collapse during usage against the body ofa user. Outwardly of the intermediate portion, the corrugated portionscan bend, flex, partially collapse, and collapse at the discretion ofthe user.

In another embodiment, the intermediate portion 20 has its two oppositeends 20 a, 20 b, that adjoin the corrugated portions. The intermediateportion has a smooth texture provided as a lining by fabric, softrubber, EVA foam, and the like. The intermediate portion has fluidcommunication through the remainder of the tubing, or expansion device.As described in FIGS. 4, 4 a, stoppers and flapper valves can controlthe inflow and outflow of air from within the tubing. In this alternateembodiment, at least one end of the tubing, proximate the outer end of acorrugated section, has an opening with a flapper vale 8 a upon theinterior face of the end. When the tubing is pulled, or expandedlengthwise, air pressure depresses the flapper valve to allow entry ofair therein. When the tubing is pushed, or partly compressed, theflapper valve seals the opening and the tubing has some rigidity becauseof the entrained air. The tubing can be repeatedly pulled and pushed ina pump like action add more air within the tubing, particularly for theintermediate portion. In time, storing of the invention may be required.To compact the invention into a small volume, a user takes a stopper 6and places it into the opening against the flapper valve 8 a andreleases the air from within the tubing. The tubing can them becompressed into a compact form for storage.

FIG. 9 shows how the expansion device 1 can be formed having the lowersleeves, as at 21 and 22, wherein 1 may fit within the other, so as toaccommodate the expansion device not only as a headrest, as perhapsduring airline travel, but in the event that a flotation device isneeded, and one sleeve may insert within the other, become hermeticallysealed, and instantly be used as a floatation means, should an emergencyrequire such.

Obviously, similar type of flotation device could be used, for example,with children, as they are being trained for swimming, to give them somefeeling of security that may help them float upon the surface of thewater, while being instructed regarding the art of swimming.

FIG. 10 shows the floatation means 1 of a similar design, but the smoothpart of the sleeves, as at 23 and 24 are provided at a differentlocation, during usage. This will allow the head to rest upon the smoothpart, when it is turned to the side, and the neck encounters the smoothportions as 23 and 24, during application and usage.

And FIG. 11 shows a floatation means, which may be applied as aheadrest, that indicates how the expansion means may include itsexpansion portion 25 is provided upon one side, while the smooth parts,such as may be applied as a headrest, as at 26, 27, form the remainingportions of the device. It is likely that the smooth parts, for examplethose placed against the neck and head of a user, may be padded, coveredwith a soft fabric, or provided with another lining such as soft rubber,polymer, and the like to cushion its usage during application upon auser.

Variations or modifications to this subject matter of this invention mayoccur to those skilled in the art upon review of the development asprovided herein. Such variations, if within the spirit of thisinvention, and the scope of the development as defined herein, areintend to me encompassed within the subject matter of this invention, asunderstood. The description of the invention in the preferredembodiment, and its depiction in the drawings, are set forth forillustrative purposes only.

1. An expandable device for use for floatation, including an expandablecorrugated tube like member, which can be contracted into a smallerdimension, but expanded for use in application as a flotation deviceabout either the neck or the waist of its wearer, said expansion devicehaving a pair of ends, each end capable of being sealed so as to furnisha hermetic seal for the expansion device when expanded and prepared forusage and application, whereby the expansion device may be applied aboutthe person, for application as a flotation device as required.
 2. Theflotation device of claim 1 wherein said ends of the floatation deviceare sealed, to provide for a hermetic seal within the interior of saiddevice.
 3. The flotation device of claim 2 wherein the end seals includea pair of sleeves, one sleeve being of lesser diameter than the other,and wherein said pair of end sleeves may telescopically slide one withinthe other, to hermetically seal the ends of the expansion device duringits usage for flotation purposes.
 4. The flotation device of claim 2wherein each end of said flotation device has an end cap, hermeticallysealed to said end of said flotation device, and an upstanding sleeve,said sleeve having a aperture there through, and a plug for placementwithin said aperture to hermetically seal the interior of the flotationdevice during its usage.
 5. The flotation device of claim 2 andincluding an end cap, said end cap being hermetically sealed to said endof the expansion tubing, said end cap having an upstanding eyelet, saideyelet having an aperture provided there through for the application ofstrapping to provide for securement of the flotation device to thewearer, during usage and application.
 6. The flotation device of claim1, wherein said expandable corrugated tubing includes reinforcementmeans, said reinforcement means comprising a wire integrated into thestructure of the expansion device at one of its apex or valley toreinforce the structure of the expansion device when expanded andcontracted during usage.
 7. The expansion device of claim 6 wherein theexpansion device is used for flotation purposes.
 8. The expansion deviceof claim 6 wherein the expansion device is used as a headrest.
 9. Anexpansion device, formed of corrugated tubing, said corrugated tubingcapable of being contracted into a compact form for storage, and saidcorrugated tubing capable of being expanded, and wrapped about the neckof the wearer to function as a neck brace while resting.
 10. Theexpansion device of claim 9 wherein each end of said expansion devicehas an end cap, hermetically sealed to said end of said flotationdevice, and an upstanding sleeve, said sleeve having a aperture therethrough, and a plug for placement within said aperture to hermeticallyseal the interior of the expansion device during its usage.